Kara's Lifting Adventure - JP Fitness Forums

Littlemermaidklb · 01-14-2008, 02:10 PM

So I'm new to this thread, I've posted on the NROL4W thread a couple times though. I saw everyone had training log threads and thought I should start one.

So here's the background info on me:
I'm 5'4, 134lbs, 21 yrs old (Will be 22 in February)
I'm a graduate student of Forensic Science at UNH in CT
I just accepted a job offer that will likely start in July (Very excited!!!)
I need to start training so I can be more than strong enough to do a fitness test for my dream job (which I will not say what it is, just know it's awesome)
While I've lifted off and on before, I consider myself new to lifting. This adventure should be interesting.

I can't wait to get stronger so I can stop being weak, girly, me. hehe

fitzy21 · 01-14-2008, 02:13 PM

ooh another new englander

good luck

gregl515 · 01-14-2008, 02:27 PM

Welcome! Believe me, it's great to start this lifestyle at your age.

Littlemermaidklb · 01-14-2008, 04:52 PM

So my first day of workouts... I'm following the plan in the New Rules of Lifting for Women.

Todays' agenda: Squats 2x15, Superset of Push-ups/Seated Row 2x15, Superset of Step-ups/Prone Jacknives 2x15

Well after an interesting time trying to workout in an overly crowded gym with groups of men trying to tell me I'm doing things wrong that I'm not doing wrong, I ended up re-doing my workout at home, substituting bentover rows for seated and using one stair for step-ups (kind of low, but ok). This is my first workout in quite a while and it shows... I am definitely "beginner" status:

Squats: I did the sets using only bodyweight to be sure I get the form down. It's difficult to keep my knees from tracking inwards, I have to try to use my glutes more.

Push-ups/rows: I forgot to do these as a superset. Next time I have to write them down separately (Push-up 1x15, Rows 1x15, Push-up 1x15, etc) so I don't get confused. As anyone could probably guess, I am not strong enough yet to do "real" push-ups, so I did angled ones using my kitchen counter. I did both sets of 15, and they were just rough enough that I could do the sets but probably couldn't have done more than 1 or 2 more reps.
Rows: I used 10lb dumbells on this one and did both sets of 15 as bentover rows. The sets were ok, I can tell I'm really rusty. These were rough, but not as bad as the pushups. Doing them bent over hurt my lower back a bit, but when I looked in the mirror to check my form it seems fine... so I'm not sure what the problem is.

Step-ups/prone jackknives: I remembered to do these as a superset (yay!) The step-ups were ok, though I should have used a higher step, but didn't have one at home. Skipping a stair would have been the right height, but it felt too far away, and was really difficult when I tried. My balance needs work, which is odd because I was a dancer for so long.
The prone jackkinves are killer! My form needs work since I've never done these before. It's hard to make my butt go up in the air and not just tuck my shins under me.

OK, now for a post work-out shake :-)

nutbar · 01-14-2008, 05:44 PM

Congrats on the first workout!

dillytl · 01-14-2008, 05:47 PM

Nice job on the first workout!!!!

kfisherx · 01-14-2008, 06:20 PM

It sometime sucks to workout in the gym doesn't it? Welcome to the training logs. I can't wait until you reveal your dream job. What sort of job to you start in July?

Littlemermaidklb · 01-14-2008, 06:42 PM

It's a desk job... but since it's in the same "company", it's an awesome foot in the door :-) (That sounds really vague and boring I know, but I'm not sure if I can put on here where it is)
Thanks for all the kind words everyone!!! :-D

Willie · 01-14-2008, 10:30 PM

Good work; the first workouts are sometimes the hardest, when you're trying to figure everything out! If your back looks good in the mirror, do you mean, flat? Are you engaging your core to keep you stabilized?

Littlemermaidklb · 01-15-2008, 06:49 AM

Well, it's flat but it has the natural curve in it... and I do use my core to keep me stabilized. From what I could tell it looked like the picture in the book. I don't know, my legs were shaking so maybe they weren't really doing their part to help stabilize me... By then I'd done about 5 sets of squats due to the people at the gym trying too hard to be helpful, haha.

Cool pic btw Willie :-)

Cynic · 01-15-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Littlemermaidklb

I need to start training so I can be more than strong enough to do a fitness test for my dream job (which I will not say what it is, just know it's awesome)

So, can we play a guessing game? Since you're a graduate in forensic science...

Forensic pathologist for a branch of the justice department. I'm thinking the FBI, once they approve your clearance. The academy has a fitness test.

Littlemermaidklb · 01-15-2008, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynic

So, can we play a guessing game? Since you're a graduate in forensic science...

Forensic pathologist for a branch of the justice department. I'm thinking the FBI, once they approve your clearance.

Hehe, very good Cynic. You're very close... but why would a pathologist need to weight train?

Cynic · 01-15-2008, 07:35 AM

The academy has a fitness test and obstacle course. You're still an agent for the FBI, even if you're not a field investigator.

There is also the need to lift corpses.

So, not the FBI, but close, perhaps something more local, or domenstic...the US Marshal perhaps.

If not a pathologist, than an actual field agent for the FBI.

Good luck, hope you get it!

GinnyLou · 01-15-2008, 08:38 AM

Hello! Welcome to the training logs and to the NROL4W! Glad you were able to work out at home and bypass the idiots.

NorthernWisco · 01-15-2008, 09:06 AM

GDLK with the federal gov.......I was given the oppurtunity to work for a branch but turned it down....i did not like my area of the world where i would be working at first....solid training and gdlk with ur goals

Littlemermaidklb · 01-15-2008, 10:23 AM

Thanks everyone :-)

So today's update... I'm a bit sore. But it's a good sore... the kind where your legs get all mad at you when you try to sit on the toilet or go up and down stairs. I definitely should have stretched more after my workout last night... maybe I'll do some stretches today between my long hours of classes... 1:40 straight through till about 9... Tuesdays are a bummer.

Looking forward to tomorrow's workout... anyone know a good time to go to the gym when there likely won't be a thousand and a half people there?
Thanks again for all the support!

Cynic · 01-15-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Littlemermaidklb

Looking forward to tomorrow's workout... anyone know a good time to go to the gym when there likely won't be a thousand and a half people there?
Thanks again for all the support!

Early in the morning, say 5:30AM, or between 9:30 - 11AM. I've found these to be the best times, with an edge toward the 9:30 - 11AM.

Kaiser · 01-15-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Littlemermaidklb

anyone know a good time to go to the gym when there likely won't be a thousand and a half people there?
Thanks again for all the support!

At the gyms I instruct at it's anytime after 8AM through noon, and then from 1 to 4PM. The times it gets crowded are early morning before 8AM and then after 6PM through around 9PM.

I imagine it will vary by gym demographic as well. Gyms with older skewing members seem to be busier in the mornings, ones with younger members (HS and college aged) seem to be really busy after 6PM.